Twice a week, three to eight women gather in the art room of Rose Schnitzer Manor and knit, chat, laugh and exercise their hands. The treasures they create keep homeless people warm and cover the heads of women undergoing chemotherapy. (see related story)

Annette Gerard has coordinated the Purls of Wisdom group since moving to the manor about eight and a half years ago. Since then, the group has donated more than 3,100 items to local charities and organizations such as Raphael House, Central City Concerns, homeless organizations and Compass Oncology.

Annette began knitting as a child when she made some of her own clothes for school. “I can give back to people in need. And it is social; this is a nice group – we knit, we meet, we work.”

Some of the women are lifelong knitters and others dabbled in knitting when they were children and took it up again when they moved to the manor. Purls of Wisdom provides friendship and the chance to do something to help others.

Julie Anne Feinstein, who has lived at Cedar Sinai Park for 15 years, says knitting is relaxing, and “It is wonderful to have our things dispersed throughout the city; you feel good you still make a contribution.”

One member, Marion Ross, knits complete outfits – hats, sweaters and booties – for infants at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. This fall she sent a box of 56 outfits to the hospital.

Marie Godfrey moved to RSM a year ago and joined two groups: Purls of Wisdom and the RSM Choir. She still enjoys both, but is happy that the hats and scarves keep homeless people warm.

Upcoming Events

JAM Art Show + Sale March is Jewish Arts Month but the show starts in late February! Enjoy a rotating exhibit in the MJCC lobby. Members of ORA: Northwest Jewish Artists will answer questions, accept...

Monthly Mitzvah Project – March Each month, the MJCC and PJA communities will collect items for the monthly mitzvah. These projects reflect the Jewish commitment to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), providing opportunities to give back to our community. Please...

OJMCHE looks back at the determination, resilience, and leadership that have brought Portland’s Conservative congregation through 150 years, preserving tradition while embracing modernity. In 1869 a group of Polish and Prussian immigrants settled in Portland...

Mel Bochner: Enough Said from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation Mel Bochner (b.1940) consistently probes the conventions of painting and language. Bochner’s text-based works will be on view. From the...

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM CLASS Winter/Spring 2019 Session begins January 17. This 18-week course is taught by members of The Oregon Board of Rabbis, representing a variety of Jewish affiliation. A carefully constructed curriculum includes Jewish...

PassinArt presents John Henry Redmond’s The No Play tells the story of cultural connections between a Black family and a Jewish scholar in the 1940s. A post-show talkback featuring cast members, community thought leaders and...

Temple Beth Sholom of Salem, has initiated this trip that will be operated by the Israel Experts tour company. We extend an invitation to congregations throughout the Pacific Northwest to join the trip. What: An...